Databases and articles

Learning Objectives: Understand why we use articles in research and the benefits of using library databases.

What are“articles”

Articles, especially “peer reviewed” ones, are written by researchers, professors and other experts.

They contain:

expert knowledge

are double checked for accuracy,

have good research methods and

focus on a specific topic/issue.

We recommend articles because they will help you answer your research question and because they represent the type of research and writing you should be aiming for in your own assignment.

You might also find an article that disagrees with your argument. Incorporating “dissenting” sources into your paper and debating their merit with your other supporting sources is exactly what scholarship is about! Scholarly writing is a conversation and a debate between your ideas and your sources.

Remember that accuracy and quality of information matters.

What are databases?

Article databases act like search engines for scholarly articles, magazine and newspapers. They can help you…..

search for subject-specific articles

get the full text of the article for free. Click on the “Full Text” or the "Find it" button in the results to connect to the full text.

cite the article you find in APA, MLA etc., (look for the “cite” button or link)

Why databases are awesome! Databases are designed to help make your life easy! They offer key features like:

Full Text in PDF or HTML (Just look for the “Full Text Link” or the “GET IT” link).

Narrow your results to only “Peer Reviewed”

Email the Article to yourself

Show you how to Cite your article in APA (or another citation style you need)Here’s an example from our ProQuest Database: